Mental Health Services

Created on:

May 15 2025

Purpose:

Provide a basic overview of services available to assist clients in accessing mental health services.

Clarifying Information

The following resources are available to assist adults, youth and families with children in accessing mental health services. Access to mental health treatment and services may require facilitating the referral through the person’s primary care provider, Apple Health Managed Care Plan, Behavioral Health-Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO) or local mental health provider. It is highly recommended that each office knows and collaborates with all local mental health providers and regional services .

Crisis Services

If it appears the individual is in crisis due to mental health, a referral should be immediately made for emergency crisis intervention services. Crisis lines are available for all Washingtonians, 24 hours a day, regardless of your income, citizenship or insurance status.

You can call 988 or a local county crisis line to request assistance for anyone who is experiencing a behavioral health crisis.

For regional crisis line information please see: Mental health crisis lines- Health Care Authority.

A Designated Mental Health Professional (DMHP) will determine if an involuntary mental health evaluation and treatment is warranted If the crisis requires the involvement of law enforcement ask the 911 operator to involve Crisis Intervention Team [CIT] officers if they are available in your community. They are trained to de-escalate violent situations in which a mental illness may be a contributing factor.

Accessing Mental Health Services through Apple Health (Medicaid)

For specific information regarding how to access mental health services and information on what types of services are available please refer to the Health Care Authority, Mental Health Services website.

Primary Care Provider (Family Physician)

Clients with depression or anxiety disorders may be served by accessing the person’s Primary Care Provider to assist in determining if the mental disorder is treatable by medication or other services covered by health insurance. The primary care provider’s medical assessment may also be helpful in documenting the need for treatment when referring the client to a psychiatrist or other mental health service providers.